Decoding the Document
Unlock the power of primary sources with the National Constitution Center’s Decoding the Document, a free, live virtual program for middle and high school students nationwide. This engaging experience led by a member of the Center's education team invites students to slow down, read closely, and build the habits of mind essential to constitutional learning.
Students Will:
- Learn what a primary source is and why it matters to understanding history and the Constitution;
- Practice a simple, three-step strategy to analyzing historical documents;
- Look beyond the words on the page to explore authorship, purpose, and point of view.
Whether students are new to primary sources or ready to deepen their skills, Decoding the Document offers a flexible, classroom-ready approach that educators can return to again and again—helping students build confidence, curiosity, and the skills to engage meaningfully with America’s founding documents.
What You Need to Know
- Decoding the Document sessions are free, 45-minute virtual learning experiences designed for middle and high school learners.
- Sessions are facilitated by members of the Center’s Education team and are scheduled at times that work for teachers and their students.
- Participating teachers choose from select topics that best align with what they are teaching.
- Students will need access to a one-page print-out, which will be provided after your session is confirmed.
- Sessions are hosted on the Center’s Zoom account. Once your booking is confirmed, we will create and send a Zoom link for accessing the program. If you prefer to use your own streaming platform, please indicate during booking.
Available Topics
Thomas Paine’s widely read pamphlet urged colonists to break from Britain. Students will explore how his clear, bold arguments helped push the growing movement for independence.
Drafted by the Founders, this iconic document announced the colonies’ break from Britain and outlined universal rights. Students will examine the preamble’s language, purpose, and revolutionary ideas.
Delivered during the Civil War, Lincoln’s brief speech honored fallen soldiers and redefined the war’s purpose. Students will consider its message of equality and national renewal.
Writing to her husband John Adams as independence was being debated, Abigail Adams urged leaders to “remember the ladies.” Students will explore her perspective on rights and representation.
John Adams outlined his vision for a new nation, driven by the people and their happiness. Students will examine the language behind his bold ideas that influenced later founding documents.
